Can environmental pollution by metals change genetic diversity? Ucides cordatus (Linnaeus, 1763) as a study case in Southeastern Brazilian mangroves

Author(s)

da Silva Banci, Karina Rodrigues ; Mori, Gustavo Maruyama ; de Oliveira, Marcos Antonio ; Paganelli, Fernanda Laroza ; Pereira, Mariana Rangel ; Amaro Pinheiro, Marcelo Antonio

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Marine Pollution Bulletin; v. 116, n. 1-2, p. 440-447, MAR 15 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 6

Abstract

Industrial areas on estuarine systems are commonly affected by heavy metals, affecting all local biota. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used to evaluate genetic diversity of Ucides cordatus at mangroves in southeastern Brazil (Jureia, j; Sao Vicente, SV; and Cubatao, C), with distinct pollution levels by metals. The genetic diversity of this species was compared with concentrations of metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr and Hg) in the environment. A pollution gradient was confirmed (SV > C > J), with low levels detected in water, except for mercury in SV. All metals in the sediment samples were below Threshold Effect Level (TEL), without an apparent biological risk to the biota. Genetic distance was very similar between J and C, with SV occurring as an out-group. RAPD was a powerful tool to investigate the effect of metal pollution on genetic diversity of this mangrove crab, and to evaluate the conservation status of the mangrove ecosystem. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/14725-1 - Project Uçá III - Genotoxic impact on population of uçá-crab, Ucides cordatus (Linnaeus, 1763) (Crustacea, Brachyura, Ucididae): evaluation and correlation with of heavy metal concentration in five mangroves of the São Paulo State
• Grantee: Marcelo Antonio Amaro Pinheiro
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants